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From: The University of the West Indies Press <pbenn@jamweb.net>
Please forward this information to as many people as possible.
On July 3, 1999, during a ceremonial event at sea, a monument honoring the
millions of men, women, and children who lost their lives en route to and at
the hands slavery between the 15th and 19th centuries will be lowered into
the Atlantic Ocean's Middle Passage, perhaps never to be seen again.
Six replicas of the monument will be created for placement on land in Africa
the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North America, and South America.
The Honorable Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has
endorsed the project, describing it as an opportunity to help broaden the
understanding of African cultures and the heritage of people of African
descent.
The goal of the Homeward Bound Foundation is to see to it that every man,
woman, and child in the Diaspora is aware of the Middle Passage Monument
Project as soon as possible, so that serious efforts can be made for us to
converge on New York City for the long-overdue tribute to our ancestors.
Through the media, fliers, promotional T-shirts, posters, and use of e-mail,
we intend to inform our community. The most effective means of spreading the
word, however, is through word of mouth. During the next three months,
please use every possible opportunity to spread the word. Inform your
co-workers, your preachers and your neighbors.
Please notify your contacts abroad, because we want strong representation
from around the world. Ask them to diligently spread the word in their
respective countries.
The ships depart Manhattan June 26, 1999 for the Monument Site. A series of
events will take place in New York City between June 19th and June 25, 1999,
enabling everyone to play an integral role in this once-in-a-lifetime salute
to our great ancestors. On July 3, 1999, we will lower a monument and lift
our spirit.
LYNN EVANS, Administrative Coordinator
Department of Museum Education
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 So. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603-6110
312-443-3640 Telephone and
Voice Mail 312-443-0084